Illinois Valley Community College students conducted their 46th annual river testing in North LaSalle, examining water quality and local wildlife. Chemistry instructor Larry Ault highlighted the occurrence of high nitrate and phosphate levels, attributed to recent heavy rains and agricultural activities. A notable discovery was the hatching of a caddisfly larva, underscoring the river’s ecological dynamics. Such studies are crucial for assessing river health and guiding environmental conservation efforts.
“Looking through a microscope and displaying the vision on a large screen, one could see eyes, mouthparts, and ferocious-looking claws. The students finally identified it a caddisfly larva,” Ault said. “Think ‘Alien!’ If this caddisfly was six feet tall, it would tear a human being to pieces! The world of the very small macroinvertebrates is a violent world indeed. And they eventually grow up to be many types of flies and insects.”
Ault continued: “Understanding the populations of these little guys help us to understand the health of the river. A lot of water-breathers, like caddisflies, indicate a healthy environment. Lots of air-breathers, such as snails and worms, indicates a polluted system.”
